Noise & Sound Protection: Noise control and noise remediation

Noise protection plays a major role in our society. Whether in residential gardens or on the construction site, a high level of noise affects physical and mental health.

But what is noise protection and what measures can or must be taken to comply with the legislation? As experts in noise protection barriers, we are happy to advise you.

Noise protection is understood to mean all measures that are used to combat noise. Necessary guidelines are set out regarding immissions protection.

The aim is to ensure the well-being of humans and animals in the vicinity of noise sources. This is why the key focus is on environmental noise, leisure noise and disturbance of the peace.

The difference between noise protection and sound protection

It is important to make a fundamental distinction between sound protection and noise protection. Sound is just a measurable quantity. Only at a certain level, which can be different for different individuals, and is defined in the public sphere mostly by means of regulations, does sound become noise.

However, the terms sound protection and noise protection are often used interchangeably, especially when it comes to the designation of products (noise barrier / sound barrier).

Absorbent vs. Reflective: two types of noise protection

There are absorbent and reflective noise barriers that swallow the sound or prevent it from entering the environment without being attenuated.

Double-sided noise barriers are used, for example, where sound sources exist on both sides of the wall, as in inner-city highways or roads that run alongside railway lines.

Why noise protection? The Noise Regulation

Noise protection relates to both the physical as well as mental health of humans and animals. Permanent noise exposure can cause various diseases – from stress to trauma to the weakening of the cardiovascular system. It is therefore important that noise protection is strictly observed.

In Germany, noise protection is regulated by the Federal Immission Protection Act (BImSchG) and the associated regulations. It addresses various sources of noise, such as roads, rails, sports facilities, urban planning, equipment and machinery, and sets out appropriate protection measures.

Measures and possibilities in noise protection

A fundamental distinction must be made between three forms of noise protection.

1. Reduction of source noise: A particularly effective method is to make the source itself quieter. This can be achieved, for example, through quieter cars or by reducing the music volume at events. However, such an approach – for example during construction work – is often not possible.
2. Noise source shielding: This is the most popular form of noise protection. Protection is placed around the source of noise, which protects the environment against the sound. In this way, the noise source can be effectively contained.
   
   
3. Passive noise protection: If the noise reduction of the source and the shielding do not lead to the desired success, passive noise protection remains as the final option. In this case, for example, the houses on busy roads are equipped with special windows, etc. However, this only works in enclosed spaces and is therefore only of limited use.

Without noise protection

With noise protection

Overall, the shielding of the noise source is probably the most common form of noise protection. There are various options for this, so that the right solution is available for many different applications.

• Noise protection fences: Noise protection fences are often used especially in residential areas when it comes to looking at your own property as well as shielding noise. These fences are made of a wide variety of materials and can therefore be versatile in terms of design. The use of WPC profiles or wood is a common option here.
• Noise protection walls: A classic wall can also act as a noise barrier. This form of noise protection is also preferred in the garden at home, as it also offers various possibilities for design.

• Noise barriers: Noise barriers are the modern solution used in professional construction, such as on motorways or train tracks. The practical systems have impressive noise protection properties, simple installation that takes up little space, and visual design options. Bongard & Lind offers custom noise protection barriers for different application areas.
• Mobile noise protection: Mobile noise protection can be used wherever a source of noise is only present temporarily (e.g. at events or on construction sites). These systems do not require a foundation and can be set up over any length. Often they can also be rented, which can be particularly cost-effective. Bongard & Lind offers two mobile noise protection systems that cover different application areas.

The production and assembly of noise barriers differs from company to company. At Bongard & Lind we manufacture in-house in our factory. In this way, we can react flexibly to the requirements and guarantee a consistently high quality.

The exact sequence of the installation depends on the selected system and the application area.